Lottery ‘win’ will help our children

CASHING in: Emma Crayton, Cassie Dixon and Donna Arden, from Homestart, with information about their grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

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DELIGHTED workers at a family support group are celebrating after clinching a £250,000 lottery grant.

Heywood Homestart's £254,000 'win' through the Big Lottery Fund will mean more staff and the ability to provide home support to more families with children under five.

But their dreams of expansion still hinge on further cash from other sources otherwise the lottery cash could slip through their grasp.

"We have Neighbourhood Renewal Fund money and a bit of cash from SureStart and the lottery application was based on that," said Homestart senior organiser Donna Arden.

"But that is due to end and it needs to be replaced otherwise we will have to apply for the lottery cash again under different terms."

But the group's five workers are still celebrating, despite being mindful of the cash they need.

Donna added: "It is really exciting. I was on holiday when we got the news and was sent a text message. It made my holiday.

"The money will mean there are more volunteers available to provide support to more families and it will secure jobs for staff.

"It is a great opportunity for us to expand and show how good we are. We want every family who wants the service to be able to have it."

Volunteers go to people's homes to help reduce the stress and pressure of family life and, unlike most alternatives, are there for as long as necessary up to the five year limit. Current funding runs out in April. Lottery cash will secure the future of the scheme for another three years at £88,000 a year. But the group - based at Crimble Croft Community Centre - needs £120,000 a year to function.